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Notable Features of the 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S

Available high-performance V8 Vantage S

420-hp V-8

180 mph top speed

Coupe or convertible

2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S Overview

By Cars.com Editors

Vehicle Overview

The low-slung two-seat Aston Martin V8 Vantage sports car is powered by a V-8 engine that makes 420 horsepower. It looks much like Aston Martin's larger DB9 and is available as a coupe or convertible. Competitors include the Audi R8 and Porsche 911.

The V12 Vantage is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.

New for 2013For 2013, the V8 Vantage gains new standard features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights and a backup camera. A sport suspension is a new no-cost option.

Aston Martin also made some changes to the V8 Vantage late in the 2012 model year with the addition of standard navigation, satellite radio, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity. The standard six-speed manual transmission carried over, but a new seven-speed automated manual became available. The V8 Vantage also gained quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tires.

Styling tweaks included a new front splitter, rear diffuser and different side sills.

Flared front fenders are trailed by inset side vents, and all lines flow rearward to the V8 Vantage's twin-bar taillamps

Integrated deck lid spoiler and twin ... Show full review

Vehicle Overview

The low-slung two-seat Aston Martin V8 Vantage sports car is powered by a V-8 engine that makes 420 horsepower. It looks much like Aston Martin's larger DB9 and is available as a coupe or convertible. Competitors include the Audi R8 and Porsche 911.

The V12 Vantage is covered separately in the Cars.com Research section.

New for 2013For 2013, the V8 Vantage gains new standard features like rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights and a backup camera. A sport suspension is a new no-cost option.

Aston Martin also made some changes to the V8 Vantage late in the 2012 model year with the addition of standard navigation, satellite radio, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity. The standard six-speed manual transmission carried over, but a new seven-speed automated manual became available. The V8 Vantage also gained quicker steering, bigger brakes and wider tires.

Styling tweaks included a new front splitter, rear diffuser and different side sills.

Flared front fenders are trailed by inset side vents, and all lines flow rearward to the V8 Vantage's twin-bar taillamps

Integrated deck lid spoiler and twin exhaust pipes

Convertible has a fabric top that stows beneath a metal tonneau cover

19-inch wheels

Front and rear parking sensors

InteriorA dizzying array of interior choices means each V8 Vantage can be personalized by its buyer. Premium materials line the aluminum-trimmed dashboard, which includes a ringed engine-start button above the radio controls. Interior features include:

Under the HoodThe 4.7-liter V-8 generates 420 hp. Its aluminum construction uses a dry-sump lubrication system that eliminates the oil pan and allows the engine to sit lower to the ground, thereby lowering the vehicle's center of gravity. Mechanical features include:

V8 Vantage SInfluenced by Aston Martin's GT4 racecar, the V8 Vantage S is designed to offer greater dynamic capability compared with the regular model. Offered as a coupe or roadster, the car shares its 4.7-liter V-8 with the V8 Vantage, but the engine has been tuned to produce 430 hp and 361 pounds-feet of torque. A seven-speed automated manual transmission, controlled by steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, is the only transmission available. Pushing the standard Sport button quickens gear changes, increases throttle response and opens bypass valves in the exhaust system.

The V8 Vantage S features different springs and dampers, and it has unique stability system tuning. Exterior cues include a carbon fiber front splitter and wide side sills. Back to top

What Drivers Are Saying

(5.0)

BEST SPORTS CAR I'VE OWNED

by AXARUNNER from NJ on October 21, 2013

The 2013 Aston Martin V8 Vantage S is the absolute best sports car I've ever owned. Aston finally offered a 6 speed manual transmission in this car earlier this year and I went for it. This car ... Read full review

Certified child passenger safety technicians conduct hands-on tests of a car’s Latch system and check the vehicle’s ability to accommodate different types of car seats. The V8 Vantage S received the following grades on a scale of A-F.*

* This score may not apply to all trims, especially for vehicles with multiple body styles that affect the space and design of the seating.

Warranty FAQs

What is a Bumper-to-Bumper warranty?

Often called a basic warranty or new-vehicle warranty, a bumper-to-bumper policy covers components like air conditioning, audio systems, vehicle sensors, fuel systems and major electrical components. Most policies exclude regular maintenance like fluid top offs and oil changes, but a few brands have separate free-maintenance provisions, and those that do offer them is slowly rising. Bumper-to-bumper warranties typically expire faster than powertrain warranties.

What is a Powertrain warranty?

Don't be misled a 10-year or 100,000-mile powertrain warranty doesn't promise a decade of free repairs for your car. It typically covers just the engine and transmission, along with any other moving parts that lead to the wheels, like the driveshaft and constant velocity joints. Some automakers also bundle seat belts and airbags into their powertrain warranties. With a few exceptions, powertrain warranties don't cover regular maintenance like engine tuneups and tire rotations.

What is included in Roadside Assistance?

Some automakers include roadside assistance with their bumper-to-bumper or powertrain warranties, while others have separate policies. These programs cover anything from flat-tire changes and locksmith services to jump-starts and towing. Few reimburse incidental costs like motel rooms (if you have to wait for repairs).

What other services could be included in a warranty?

Some automakers include free scheduled maintenance for items such as oil changes, air filters and tire rotations. Some include consumables including brake pads and windshield wipers; others do not. They are typically for the first couple of years of ownership of a new car.

What does CPO mean?

A certified pre-owned or CPO car has been inspected to meet minimum quality standards and typically includes some type of warranty. While dealers and third parties certify cars, the gold standard is an automaker-certified vehicle that provides a factory-backed warranty, often extending the original coverage. Vehicles must be in excellent condition and have low miles and wear to be certified, which is why off-lease vehicles feed many CPO programs.